Explanation
Background: This ordinance authorizes the Director of Recreation and Parks to issue an electric easement to Encova Service Corporation in order to provide additional lighting in the vacated right of way alley near Topiary Park.
Encova Service Corporation and the City of Columbus duly vacated an alleyway adjacent to Topiary Park, known as Library Park North, in order to obtain a safer pedestrian thoroughfare for park users and for the new Encova Service Corporation residential development. As a result, Encova Service Corporation, as part of the residential development, requested to work with the Columbus Recreation and Parks Department to provide additional lighting in the vacated right of way alley. The intent was to provide a safer, well-lit area for residents and park users alike. The City negotiated the terms of the electric easement, to allow for the installation of decorative matching light posts and the underground electrical wiring. Encova Service Corporation agreed to tie into existing lighting on private property and to pay for the resulting lighting utility bills. In 2018, the Recreation and Parks Commission and City Council approved the electric easement, per Ordinance 3110-2018, approving 0.078 acres of parkland to be shared as an electric easement for the lighting.
Encova Service Corporation had many challenges during development, one of which was a fire that resulted in the demolition of the existing construction, as well as, reconstructing the foundation and the first level of residential construction. As a result, in 2023, Encova Service Corporation was required to move some of the construction elements, one of which was the need for additional utility space within the private property. This impacted the need to move the electric line outside of the agreed to and issued easement. As a result, Encova Service Corporation has now requested to move the utility easement, shifting slightly to the south, in Topiary Park. The City negotia...
Click here for full text